LEARNING GRAPHICS

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Transcript of LEARNING GRAPHICS

LEARNING GRAPHICS Lohr, L. (2003). Creating graphics for learning and performance. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc. “Visual literacy is defined as the ability to understand and use images, including the ability to think, learn and express oneself in terms of images.” Roberts Braden (1996) in Lohr, p. 3 Technocentric thinking =technology drives the design Learner-friendly thinking =instruction drives design A visual is a form of communication that is not verbal.Braden’s (1996) 5 categories:1. semiotics and film/video conventions2. signs, symbols and icons3. images and illustrations4. multi-images5. graphic representation Pavio’s (1990) Dual-coding theory Proposes that rather than just one sensory memory, one short-term memory, and a long-term memory, as might be implied in information processing theory, there are actually separate memory systems for different types of information: one for verbal information and one for imaginal information verbal memory - information encoded pictorially, or in pictures visual memory - information encoded verbally, or in words "Cat" = "District" = ? Mayer - visuals and words are most likely to facilitate learning FIGURE/GROUND = mind's tendency to see edges and doing so to separate figure elements from ground elements HIERARCHY PRINCIPLE is based on the mind's tendency to process and remember "chunks" of information that are in turn arranged hierarchcally. subordinate superordinate coordinate outlinesarrowslistsetc. TYPOGRAPHY RESEARCH Our levels:Novice - need help with basic skills such as fill, shapes, inserting, file types, saving, uploading, downloading (espec. to our course Google Site, simple image edits (contrasts/cropping),Intermediate - need work on fonts for appropriate/most effective use, type and design principles presented hereAdvanced - can use practice creating vector graphics or using advanced editing, design and layout. (Usually requires high-end, purchased software) http://www.coe.unco.edu/LindaLohr Is a picture always worth 1,000 words? Our tools:Free:Google DrawMS WordMS PPtPaintWordle.nettagxedo.comgliffy.comPurchase:PhotoShop/ElementsAnimationishAdobe Illustrator http://www.fablevision.com/animationish/ Assignments:Novice - tutorial by Landis & assignmentIntermediate - create a graphic using principles here; upload to Google Site page with description of what you used and whyAdvanced - Identify tutorial; do it and produce graphic OR identify another application, learn something new, create graphic using these principles OR how-to on class choice; upload to Site page with description and rationale Instructional typography- the art and science of using individual letters, words, and passages of text to convey an instructional message. Fonts Which type/fonts best for instruction?Depends on content, learner, delivery format, environment Serif: (easier to read in text;square serifs used in instruction,highly readable)BaskervilleBemboBodoniCaslonCentaurCenturyClarendon (square)GaramondGeorgia (square serif designed espec. for Web easy rdg.)Roman Old Style (highly readable on paper)Times New Roman Sans serif:(headings, computer display)Franklin GothicFuturaHelveticaTrebuchetUniversVerdana Script (different voice, certificates, historical period, ornamentation)Brush scriptLucida HandwritingFreestyle Decorative: SymbolQwertySymbol Dingbats Webdings Decorative: Display (titles, headings– tiring to read if lengthy;mood or metaphor)Really Bad TypewriterRavieLitterbox Vocabulary:Ascender – part of lowercase letter that rises above its body (b, d, f, h, k, l, t)Descender - part of lowercase letter that falls below it’s baseline (g, j, p, y)Caps height – the height of an uppercase letter measured from the baselineAscender height – height of tallest part of a letterx-height – height of lowercase letter w/o ascenders or descendersCounters – width of enclosed part of lettersLeading/line spacing (in Word-Format-Paragraph – space between lines of text)Kerning – space between lettersBowl – curved portion of a characterSerif – wing Taller x-heights easier for people to read (Georgia/Clarendon)No difference serif and sans serifVery small serif typefaces disappear on computer displaysWider counters easier to readEither extreme in leading not optimal for reading AlignmentLeft-aligned/ragged right – most readable; recommended for long instructional text passagesRight-aligned/ragged left – should be avoided for long passages; can add element of interest; useful with graphic or another column of text.Centered – novices overdo; okay for title page; more formalJustified – avoided in instructional text; gaps make eyes tired) SizeRule of thumb: for every 10 feet of distance between viewer and visual,increase font size ½ or 36 points. SHAPE TOOLS Simple shapes (circles, ovals, squares, rectangles, lines)Circles and ovals are used to show unity, imply harmony, show processes, focus attention, show elements of systems)Squares and rectangles act to contain information, facilitate comparisons, show hierarchy and focus attentionLines are used to separate and define, set boundaries, show motion and direction, make connections, show sequence and show emotion and volume (Hansen, 1999).Complex shapes(stars, swirls, triangles, arrows, brackets, etc.) COLOR Color can make a differenceCan be distraction or enhancing Heinich, Molenda, and Russell (193) recommend these color combinations for effective contrast, in order of preference:black on yellowgreen, red, or blue on whitewhite on blueblack on whiteyellow on black saturation = intensity of a color value = a color’s brightness Principles:Choose colors to make important information stand out (Figure/ground)Choose color that will establish an order of importance (Hierarchy)Choose colors that help the learner see the big picture (Gestalt)Choose color based on inspiration from nature and artChoose color based on color palettes found in templatesChoose color based on psychological associations (p. 146 chart) OUR BUSINESS: What else?Animation: design & animationScanningDigital camerasPicture editing? TYPES "Picture superiority effect" Assignments:Novice - tutorial by Landis & assignmentIntermediate - create a graphic using principles here; upload to Google Site page with description of what you used and whyAdvanced - Identify tutorial; do it and produce graphic OR identify another application, learn something new, create graphic using these principles OR how-to on class choice; upload to Site page with description and rationale Use GIF and JPG for online publishing. Although other formats for online publishing are in development, at present GIF and JPG are the standards.